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Month: June 2016

In the current economic landscape, start-ups hold a very strong share. Every third young man or a woman has novel idea trotting around his mind. If you think, the young brigade is only thinking about money, you are utterly wrong. They are concentrating on bringing something novice to the market that in some way contributes to the common masses. Few successful ventures include Ola, Flipkart, Facebook, Oyo Rooms, etc.

This time, I have come up with an interview of a young man who wanted to bring health, hygiene, and taste into attention. Thus, he came with an idea to make and sell fresh fruit juices and other beverages. Pulkit Arora – a corporate slave in past and a dynamic entrepreneur today, he has taken his start-up venture Jux Pux to another level of success and spirit. From 50 sq.ft in CP to 2500 sq.ft space in corporate locations, this guy is going places within a span of 1 year. Read about him and know how he did it.

I am eager to know what drove you to have a business of your own?

Let me share an incident. I was 15 when I made a playlist of songs and the list included Bryan Adams, Coldplay, Madonna, Ronan Keating and many more. This was the list that I wanted to play in my ‘upcoming’ restaurant. So, you can imagine how crazy I was to have an enterprise of my own. Basically, I wanted to do something of my own that wouldn’t make me stick to 9 to 6 cycle of frustration. And definitely, I wanted to have something of my own that socially (by creating jobs) and economically contributed to the market.

I certainly see that streak of entrepreneurship in you. But you did work for corporates, didn’t you? Was quitting your job easy?

(Giggles) Is it ever easy to let go your steady bread and butter? It isn’t. Same story here Debashri. Beginnings are always tough. I didn’t want to begin like an over-confident, and unprepared guy ready to hit the market. That way, I would have been a flop. I started with fulfilling my parents’ aims first – degree, and job. While I worked, I kept my dreams of entrepreneurship alive and yes, my market research. So, when I was finally quitting my job, I had no regrets. I knew my map was ready and I just had to kick start.

What kind of homework did you do?

I did hardcore market research by studying books, online articles, surveys, and statistics. In addition, I spoke to senior people who have been in the industry for several years. I gathered as much knowledge, I could. I also studied about the pros and cons and how one should meet with atrocities. My homework involved:

Making recipes

Preparing my own business model

Creating market strategies

Doing brand establishment

Franchise ownerships

The very first thing from the list that I actually did was creating recipes (laughs). I did all these research 1 year prior to starting my business. I made sure, I was aware of every tip and trick of the business so that I give no chance to loopholes.

You seem to be a wise player. Aren’t you? But why did you choose fresh juices and beverages of all? Why food and drinks section – the most competitive one?

I walk through flea markets and see people selling juices in the most unclean conditions. This irks me. I concentrated on bringing in something that was healthy and hygienic. In an era, where junk food and good health are juxtaposing each other, I wanted to give something that was tasty, healthy and hygienic. We do not believe in serving conventional flavors and instead, we focus on mixing and giving options (customization) so that the customer can customize the food as per their taste.

As a matter of fact, we have tie-ups with suppliers who provide us with ingredients made in international standards. So, we keep a close eye on quality and cleanliness. So, coming back to your question, I would say I knew the sector I was venturing into. The concept of Jux Pux is unique and I knew I was most capable in it. I knew how will I handle the adversities if ever god forbid I happen to see.

When I started Jux Pux in 2015, I was loaded with information. As I started, all the information with additional knowledge started flowing on a practical basis. Every start-up has its three phases:

1st Year – Investment

2nd Year – Stability

3rd Year – Brand building

I am in the 2nd phase and concentrating on the stability part which is going as per my marketing strategies. There is a long way to go in the business and I am burning midnight oil to pursue the same.

You have managed to achieve constructive success in one year? Would you describe the success story?

God’s grace that is. In March’2015, we acquired our first outlet (50 sq.ft) in the 6th most expensive market in the world (Connaught Place) as per CBRE survey. Later, we had in Agra. Now, Jux Pux is in Ghaziabad, Hyderabad and Bangalore. From 50 sq.ft space in Connaught Place to 2500 sq.ft in one of the top IT companies in Hyderabad, we have come pretty far. It was my stint in Agra, when I joined hands with Simran Jeet Singh (Co-founder) and Nipun Bhardwaj (Co-founder and head of operations). Since then we have been together and Jux Pux is expanding steadily.

I am feeling very inquisitive about the name – Jux Pux. What does it mean?

Pic courtesy – internet

Pure juices with X factor.

Any interesting incident?

Once, a typical Delhi guy walked into our outlet. He asked for Naariyal Paani/Coconut water, so I started doing the hard work of peeling the coconut. Just when I was engrossed in the work, he bluntly said, “Bhaisaab! I want the ones kept in fridge.” (laughs) So, you can imagine, the kind of people I get to meet.

I can only imagine the extremities you get to see. Do your parents sometimes ask you weird questions about your start-up? How did they react?

They do ask questions but not to extremes. My parents were supportive. Though, my mother was little skeptical initially but she got convinced after she saw my first outlet. To be honest, during my preparation time, I didn’t tell my parents about my plans for a start-up. It was much later that I spilled the beans and my father and brother supported wholeheartedly.

Yes, of course. It is a part of Jux Pux itself that caters space, food and beverages to people looking for office location for their start-ups. Partly, it is taken care by one of our key investors. Based out of Asaf Ali Road in New Delhi, Dreamers’ Cafe is a roof top location and it gives lot of space and peace to people working to have an enterprise of their own.

What are your future plans?

Corporate tie-ups and extending our list of food items. We are in talks with a few corporate firms and hoping to see our presence in their office spaces soon. Talking about the food items, we are planning to bring in lot of salads, sandwiches and other healthy stuff to people.

What suggestions would you give to people planning to have a start-up of their own?

Hard work, hard work and more hard work. And most importantly, do not expect. Things will fall in place on their own. Make sure, the business you are putting your hands into has something unique to offer. Last but not the least, keep in mind the backup plan of next three years to meet any unforeseen situation.

Finally, me with the young turk

Jux Pux, an out of the box name accompanied by energetic techies is purely an example of sheer passion and dedication. It specializes in serving cold & hot beverages like shakes, smoothies, lemonades, flavored lassi, flavored tea, coffee, hot milk and others. In order to compliment beverages, the menu has quick bites as an icing on the top. The venture has been appreciated by one of the top 25 Indian companies for its quality and it has rewarded a space for Cafe Lounge within their campus.

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Kapoors were finally on a holiday this time. Finally! Navneel was packing bags along with his family. It was a trip after so many years with dad, mum, sister and her husband. The family was TOGETHER. Navneel was just out of college and was yet to find out his goals. Though, everybody knew he was game freak and loved being on his phone across the day. The entire day consumed him in playing games, chatting and networking.

Ritu, Navneel’s mother was mostly annoyed with her son’s habit. She would frequently ask him to keep the phone away and socialize. After boarding the flight, Navneel decided to take a nap for an hour till the attendants would allow people to switch on mobiles again.

Lush green meadows, clear blue sky, birds chirping and scores mountains at various distances, the place had abundance to offer. The travel package all that Kapoors had put in checklist – sightseeing being the primary.

Navneel was on phone. Nayna (Navneel’s sister) was juggling with here attires while her husband fiddled with the DSLR camera. The parents on the other hand decided to eat snacks and leave for travel at the earliest.

“For god’s sake, leave that phone. See the world beta!” Cried Ritu.

“Yea!” Navneel answered with his head down almost piercing the screen.

Part 3

Navneel was still busy in updating his checkins, managing comments, Whatsapping, changing DPs, playing games so on and so forth. Hours and hours, minutes after minutes and days after days, Navneel was updating his virtual friends with what he was upto.

Rest of the Kapoors were on crazy mode. They took deep breathes, laughed like crazy, clicked pictures, basked under the sun and ate fresh fruits. They couldn’t have asked for more.

Part 4

Nayna while boarding their flight back felt sad. She and her husband planned their second trip keeping New Zealand on mind.

“I can’t keep my mind away from those blue waters of Lake Tuapo and those mountains.” Sighed a mesmerized Nayna.

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Just when Umesh was running down the stairs from one of his branch offices, he heard a huge scream. Shaken at the volume, he quickly went out to see what had happened.

A young man was lying in a pool of blood. Large crowd surrounded him making the entire street choked as people put their vehicles on side to view the disaster. In next few moments, an ambulance and police jeep had arrived. One of the constables was seen questioning the witnesses and jotting down the notes. Some people were kind enough to put the man in ambulance and call his relatives.

Umesh viewed the entire scenario from some distance. He came to know, a speeding car had hit the young pedestrian. It was being driven by a young boy probably a minor. Some fellow pedestrians could manage to get the car number to the police.

Struck by sudden memory, Umesh felt uneasy and restless. He immediately left the location.

Part 2

One week had passed, Umesh was still struggling with the last week’s accident. Something had hit his mind strong, he knew he had to settle the matter. Umesh decided to find the whereabouts of the victim and reach out for some help. He went to the nearest hospital and police station to learn about the victim.

Name: Rajeev Vishnoi

Profession – Software Engineer

Age: 30 years

Address: Sayog apartments, Vivek Vihar, New Delhi

Hospital: Nexus Hospital

Umesh came to know that Rajeev was still in coma and battling for life. Being the only bread winner of the family, Rajeev’s family was struggling to meet the treatment expenditures.

Umesh quickly made his way to the hospital. It was time for redemption.

Part 3

11 years ago

Plush bungalow, scores of cars and swish infrastructure, Dhimans where known for their horticulture business in the Delhi circuit. Their wealth and high profile lifestyle spoke volumes about them. Umesh was their youngest son. A frivolous 17 years old boy, Umesh was enjoying his life to the fullest. He had just finished his senior secondary exams and it was time to celebrate.

Saturday evening, Umesh had called up his friends and decided to have a bash. A group of five boys was all set to hit the nearest club in a BMW. Umesh knew there is no tomorrow when there is a party. He only knew speed, speed and speed and alcohol.

10:30 in the night, Umesh and his gang decided to go on a long drive to the outskirts of the city. High and carefree, the young men just wanted to have fun.

100km/hr – go go go!

A huge cry – blood – sudden chaos – spot death

A young man was lying in a pool of blood. Large crowd surrounded him making the entire street choked as people put their vehicles on side to view the disaster. In next few moments, an ambulance and police jeep had arrived. One of the constables was seen questioning the witnesses and jotting down the notes. Some people were kind enough to put the man in ambulance and call his relatives.

Umesh and his friends fled the scene in a jiffy.

Part 4

‘A young man of 32 years was hit by a minor in a BMW’, ‘Businessman’s minor son kills a man’ and many more such headlines flooded the newspapers.

Exasperated at the furor in the society, Mr. Dhiman was walking to and fro in his bedroom when Mrs Dhiman entered.

“It’s not the first time Abha! Not the first time.” Exclaimed Mr. Dhiman

“I understand but then he is a kid after all. Let’s put bail application. Everything will be alright. I will ask him to drive carefully next time.” Cajoled Mrs. Dhiman.

“I do not have so much time to simply run after my son and leave my business in a mess.” A furious Mr. Dhiman shouted.

“I am sure, it was just in the heat of the moment when this must have happened. You know Umesh, he doesn’t drive that fast.” Mrs. Dhiman claimed.

“I will send my lawyer and ask him to settle the matter. Guess, some money will go to the victim’s family too. Just see, what all places my hard earned money is going. All thanks to your son.” Mr. Dhiman said while leaving the room.

Part 5

11 years later

Umesh was sitting right next to the ICU cabin in Santosh hospital where the hit and run victim was admitted.

“Thank you so much Umesh ji. You are our savior in disguise.” Said Mr.Vishnoi, father of the victim.

“Please do not thank me. Let me know how else can I help you?” Asked Umesh.

“Had you not paid the fee, I wouldn’t have been able to see our son alive today. I didn’t have enough money. Sonu is our only son.” Said a tearful Mr.Vishnoi.

“Please do not get weak. I will help you wherever areas possible.” Supported Umesh.

Part 6

A DDA flat situated in Vivek Vihar was Rajeev’s den. He lived with his parents and younger sister. It was a three room set where the furniture and other infrastructure was settled in a synchronized alignment.

Rajeev Vishnoi, the victim managed to recover from his injuries after eight months of chronic treatment and medicines. Umesh stood by the family in these trying times.

Still on bed rest, Rajeev thanked Umesh. The entire Vishnoi family tried their level best to be courteous towards him and treated him like a god.

“I do not know how to thank you, Umesh.” Said Rajeev.

“I would again say, please don’t.” Umesh politely replied.

“I would like to ask you a question.” Said Rajeev.

“Please do.” Answered Umesh.

“Why did you help us? We are strangers to you, isn’t it? Inquired Rajeev.

“Redemption may be.” Umesh patted on Rajeev’s shoulder with a gentle smile.

Umesh left for work after bidding bye to Rajeev and promised to meet him the next weekend.

Part 7

It was middle of the night when Umesh was struggling to sleep. Palpitations kept him awake throughout the night. He wanted to relax and sleep. He stood up and drank a glass of water. His wife sleeping next to him woke up and asked what was wrong with him.

“Nothing Reema, please sleep. I guess business deals are taking a toll on me.” Replied Umesh.

“No, it’s the Rajeev’s case that is keeping you so drained. I don’t understand what made you go to that length and help the family. You didn’t hit him! Did you?” Asked Reema.

“Stop this! It was my duty.” Said Umesh.

“Don’t know what is wrong.” Said an annoyed Reema. She stared at Umesh in search of some answers.

Several moments of silence were witnessed. Receiving no response, Reema lied and went back to sleep.

Part 8

It was just another morning when Reema was making breakfast and she knew Umesh must have gone for his customary morning run. She asked her help to call him.

“Madamji, he is not picking call.” Said Manoj, the help.

“No idea what is happening. Isn’t it late for his work? I know he must have stayed back talking to some society senior.” Complained Reema.

Manoj and Reema continued to work in the kitchen till they heard a huge scream.